Aedes albopictus mosquito, also known as the Asian tiger mosquito- Courtesy CDC.

National 08/09/13 webmd.com: by Alan Mozes – (T)hough a relative newcomer to the American scene, experts now warn that (the Asian Tiger Mosquito) is starting to create a fearsome buzz, with the potential to cause havoc across the United States. So far, however, it hasn’t led to widespread disease in this country. “What we have here is an invasive daytime-feeding, disease-carrying mosquito that, since it first arrived on the East Coast in the 1980s, has been pretty aggressive in mowing down its natural competitors,” said Gabe Hamer, a clinical assistant professor in the department of entomology at Texas A&M University. “And now it’s really starting to move through the country in full force.” “That makes it, at the very least, a nuisance and an annoyance,” Hamer explained. “And at worst, a serious vector for major pathogens.”

On its Asian home turf, the mosquito is a well-known carrier of dengue fever, with West Nile fever, yellow fever, and encephalitis among the other debilitating illnesses for which it has been pegged as a transmitter. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the mosquito has so far been identified as a host for five different viruses in the United States. Two of those — encephalomyelitis and Cache Valley — can infect humans, while the others are a threat to dogs, cats, birds and other animals.

Dr. Gabe Hamer.

But U.S. experts are perhaps most alarmed that this mosquito potentially could become a prime North American vector for a particularly nasty joint and muscle pain illness for which there is neither a vaccine nor treatment: the Chikungunya virus. Such concerns have escalated in light of recent research, such as that funded by the U.S. National Institute for Food and Agriculture, and reported in the January issue of PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, which cautions that an imminent mosquito-driven American outbreak of the Chikungunya virus is a very real threat.

“The ongoing invasion of the Asian tiger mosquito in the U.S.A. represents an important risk,” agreed Diego Ruiz-Moreno, a postdoctoral associate in the department of ecology and evolutionary biology at Cornell University, who led the recent study. “Mainly because of the potential for disease to spread.” Otherwise known as Aedes albopictus, the CDC notes that the Asian tiger mosquito was first spotted on the U.S. mainland in 1985.

Global 08/10/13 natureworldnews.com: by James A. Foley – A vaccine for Lyme disease has shown promise in clinical trials, producing substantial antibodies against the bacteria that causes the disease. Researchers at Stony Brook University, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and at Baxter International Inc., a U.S.-based healthcare company, published the results of the first half of their clinical trial in May in the journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases. In the clinical trial administered by Baxter International, the vaccine was shown to be effective against Borrelia, the causative agent of Lyme disease. Three hundred people living in Austria and Germany were given three primary immunizations and one booster immunization in a range of doses.

Dr. Benjamin Luft

The researchers report that in all administered doses of the vaccine, the patients showed an immune response to all species of Borrelia. “The results of the clinical trial conducted by Baxter are promising because the vaccine generated a potent human immune reaction, covered the complete range of Borrelia active in the entire Northern hemisphere, and produced no major side effects,” said study co-author Dr. Benjamin Luft of Stony Brook University School of Medicine. – For complete article see http://www.natureworldnews.com/articles/3431/20130810/lyme-disease-vaccine-shows-promise-clinical-trials.htm

Colorado 08/09/13 coloradoan.com: by Robert Allen – A “rapid increase” this week in reported human cases of WNV in Larimer County has health officials advising people to beware of mosquitoes carrying the potentially devastating disease, according to Larimer County health department. Twelve residents have been infected, and four of them are showing symptoms such as meningitis, encephalitis and paralysis. Three people in Fort Collins and one in Loveland are showing the severe symptoms, according to the health department. – For complete article and precautions see http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20130809/NEWS01/308090024/West-Nile-virus-escalating-rapidly-12-human-infections-Larimer-County

Idaho 08/12/13 Southwest District Health: Officials have confirmed that mosquito pools have tested positive with WNV in Adams County. The traps were placed in both the Council and Indian Valley areas. Adams County joins Ada, Canyon, Gem, Gooding, Owyhee, Payette, Twin Falls, Valley, and Washingtoncounties in Idaho with mosquito pools testing positive with WNV, as well as Malheur County in Oregon. Payette County has had the only two reported human cases of WNV in the state to date. – See http://www.kivitv.com/news/Mosquitoes-in-Adams-County-test-positive-for-West-Nile-Virus-219279791.html

Louisiana 08/13/13 LA Department of Health & Hospitals: There are seven new humancases of WNV in the state bringing the total to eight so far this year. The seven new cases include two new neuro-invasive disease cases , with one case each reported from Calcasieu and Ouachitaparishes. There are four West Nile fever cases, with one case each reported from Ascension and St. Tammany parishes and two cases from Lafayette parish. In addition, there was one asymptomatic case reported, from St. Tammany Parish. One human case from St. Tammany Parish had been reported earlier. – See http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/assets/docs/SurveillanceReports/wnv/weekly2013/WNV_1331.pdf

Mississippi 08/12/13 MI State Department of Health: State officials have reported the second fatalhumancase of WNV, and four newhuman cases. The death occurred in Bolivar County on August 6th, and the new cases were reported in Forrest, Hinds, and Rankincounties. Human cases of WNV now total 12, including two deaths, so far this year. The first WNV-related fatality was reported in Montgomery County in July. – See http://themississippilink.com/2013/08/12/state-officials-report-second-west-nile-virus-death-of-2013/

Kentucky 08/09/13 Jefferson County: Health officials in Louisville have identified ninechildrenwhoneedtreatmentfor potential exposure torabies after a bat tested positive for the virus. It was reported some of the children carried the bat in a box, and others may have been playing with or near the bat. Anyone who may have been in contact with the bat should seek immediate medical advice. – See http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/90913d3c081e4a78a353d87b86337ad7/KY–Rabid-Bat

West Virginia 08/12/13 WV Department of Health & Human Services: The state’s annual oralrabies vaccine program will begin around August 26th and continue through early- to mid-September. The vaccine bait packets will be hand distributed or air dropped in a target area that covers a wide corridor through the central part of the state, extending from the northern panhandle to the southern coalfields. Residents are asked to leave baits alone and to keep pets confined or on a leash during the baiting period and up to five days after baiting. This gives raccoons the opportunity to locate and eat the baits. In particular, dogs are attracted to the baits and will occasionally eat them. The baits are not harmful to pets. Do not try to take baits away from your pet, as you may get bitten. – See more at: http://www.fayettetribune.com/local/x738622706/Rabies-vaccine-to-be-dropped-in-coming-weeks#sthash.CsWf84OH.dpuf

Jerry Genesio

Author of "UNSEEN HAZARDS That Threaten Hunters, Campers, and Hikers: What you should know about pathogens commonly found in wildlife."

This is where wildlife and healthcare professionals, hunters, campers, hikers, anglers, and other outdoor enthusiasts will find interesting information about natural unseen hazards that place them at risk. As my book focused exclusively on Rabies, Tetanus (Lockjaw), Tularemia (Rabbit Fever), Brucellosis (Undulant Fever), Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Borrelia (Lyme Disease), posts regarding these six diseases will be limited to more recent developments and items of interest that were not included or were not available when the book was published in June of 2009. Topics will also include Chronic Wasting Disease, West Nile Virus, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, and other diseases of particular interest to those who work and play in the great American outdoors.

Don’t Be Afraid – Be Aware!

The Natural Unseen Hazards blog is available to all free of charge and is maintained as a public service.

If you have questions related to pathogens commonly found in wildlife, e.g. the disease caused by a specific pathogen, hosts, vectors, symptoms, treatment, territorial range, etc., please comment here or e-mail to jerrygenesio@gmail.com and I will attempt to provide answers.

"Chance favors the prepared mind."
Louis Pasteur

Unless otherwise noted, images have been provided by the CDC Public Health Image Library, Wikimedia Commons, the National Park Service or other government agencies, Bing.com, and/or Google.com.

"Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less."
Marie Curie

"It's better to look ahead and prepare, than to look back and regret."
Jackie Joyner Kersee